Adrista Ramirez ‘21

Adrista Ramirez ‘21

My name is Adrista Ramirez and I am a first-generation college student. I am a senior majoring in Accountancy, and a student in the University’s accelerated  Master’s program in Business Analytics. When I started college, I felt lost. I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know how to go about achieving my goals. I remember not knowing what to bring to a career fair. I had asked my mother, but all she said was “your resume.” Her advice was helpful, but she couldn’t always provide me with answers, given she never experienced college. For instance, I had an opportunity to interview with BASF but I had to do a prerecorded interview. I asked my mom how I could best prepare, but she had no idea. By utilizing the resources I had access to during my time here, I was able to get the guidance I needed. Some of my resources are The Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE), the Accountancy Department, and The Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning (CEEL).  First-generation students have the grit to pursue whatever their heart desires, but we always have questions on how to achieve our goals and not always know where to go. 

Saint Peter’s University has provided students like me with great resources that have allowed me to excel. Since then, I have participated in the Goldman Sachs Local College Collaborative Program, College Fed Challenge, and the Saint Peter’s Student Entrepreneurship Competition. All of these experiences have allowed me to gain internships at the Hudson County Bar Association, BASF and Ernst & Young. As I look back on these past three years, I have many achievements I am proud of such as being awarded Gold Keys in the Order of the Cross Keys Honor Society, inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, and becoming a member of The Most Noble Order of the Peacock. I’ve come a long way in my college career. Thanks to the support of Saint Peter’s University, I realized my full potential and reached for the stars. I am grateful for all Saint Peter’s University has done for me.